NCJ Number
171440
Date Published
1998
Length
283 pages
Annotation
This book provides a current and comprehensive overview of the serious and growing problem of school crime, as it examines the nature, extent, and causes of school crime and disruptive behavior and describes some model school delinquency programs.
Abstract
The author reviews the theories that attempt to explain the relationship between school crime, crime in the community, the role of parents and peers, and schools' organization and policies. Included in the book are discussions of the most recent relevant research findings, laws and school policies, prevention strategies, and alternative schools and special education programs for at-risk delinquent students. A chapter provides an overview of the juvenile justice system, as well as current trends and debates regarding the effectiveness and future of the juvenile justice system in dealing with the volume and severity of current juvenile crime. A separate chapter addresses juvenile corrections. It advises that effective juvenile corrections programs must work closely with parents and families, school officials, and community agencies in a collaborative effort to help change delinquent youth and reintegrate them into society. A chapter on school-based programs for delinquency prevention first reviews the theoretical foundation for delinquency prevention and then identifies and discusses some general principles pertinent to school-based delinquency prevention. These principles include the development of student commitment to education, school and business cooperation in education, and the assessment of school climate and safety. This is followed by brief descriptions of some model school-based prevention programs such as the Perry Preschool Project, the Cities in Schools Program, law-related education, and Drug Abuse Resistance Education. Other educational models for preventing delinquency are also described, followed by sections on parents' involvement in schooling and recommendations for educators, justice officials, and policy makers. Chapter summaries, references, and author and subject indexes